Chapter Summaries

After Danzo and Orochimaru defected, the Third Hokage returned injured from a failed attempt to capture them, while Ronglin managed the village and its war effort. The chapter ended with the Third Hokage trusting White Fang to stabilize the front line against Ōnoki.

• Jiraiya struggled to accept that Orochimaru had defected, while the Shimura Clan reacted with disbelief to Danzo’s betrayal.
• The Third Hokage returned to Konoha injured after pursuing Danzo and Orochimaru, who resisted arrest and escaped.
• Ronglin questioned the Third Hokage’s decision to confront the two personally and discussed the pursuit’s losses with him.
• Ronglin reported that Sunagakure was still holding on, Iwagakure had launched an offensive, and White Fang had reached the front line.
• Ronglin warned that Danzo and Orochimaru’s defection had disrupted the front line, and the Third Hokage said he trusted White Fang to hold it against Ōnoki.

Ronglin urged the Third Hokage to focus on stabilizing Konoha while White Fang held the front against Iwagakure. After Danzo and Orochimaru’s crimes were exposed, the village condemned them and the Shimura Clan, while those connected to the defections were detained.

• The Third Hokage asked Ronglin to mobilize, but Ronglin argued that White Fang could hold the line against Iwagakure and that Konoha’s internal crisis needed attention first.
• The Third Hokage promised to deal with everyone connected to Orochimaru and Danzo’s crimes, including members of the Shimura and Sarutobi clans.
• Konoha publicly revealed that Orochimaru and Danzo had experimented on living people abducted from across the Land of Fire, including villagers from Konoha.
• Villagers were shocked and denounced the Shimura Clan after learning the charges that had driven Orochimaru and Danzo to defect.
• Ronglin’s people detained those linked to Danzo, many of them from Root and the Shimura Clan, before they could flee the village.

Konoha reeled from the exposure of Danzo and Orochimaru’s crimes as the Shimura and Sarutobi clans faced investigations and public backlash. On the Sunagakure front, Tsunade learned that Jiraiya had abandoned his command again to search for Orochimaru, leaving her to manage the battlefield.

• Villagers surrounded the Shimura Clan compound, while the Third Hokage promised the clan would not be implicated and refused to protect any guilty clansmen.
• The Third Hokage faced public calls to step down as the scandal damaged his reputation and members of the Sarutobi Clan were investigated.
• Ronglin watched Konoha’s turmoil and quietly observed how events unfolded.
• Tsunade’s assistant told her that Jiraiya had left the front line and handed her his letter.
• Tsunade read that Jiraiya had gone to find Orochimaru and told her to take command or ask the Third Hokage to transfer Ronglin.
• Tsunade vowed to make Jiraiya regret abandoning his post when he returned.

The Third Hokage received Tsunade’s urgent report that Jiraiya had abandoned the front to search for Orochimaru, leaving the battle against Sunagakure without an overall commander. He summoned Uchiha Ronglin to discuss sending him to the front.

• Tsunade sent urgent intelligence explaining that she was occupied treating the wounded and needed someone to take charge of the battlefield.
• The Third Hokage learned that Jiraiya had left the front to search for Orochimaru and felt helpless about his decision.
• The Third Hokage summoned Uchiha Ronglin, believing his reputation would deter Sunagakure.
• Uchiha Diqin finished scrubbing Ronglin’s back and hurried away after he teased her.

Ronglin was summoned to the Hokage’s office after urgent news arrived from the front, and he anticipated being sent to the Sunagakure battlefield. He read Tsunade’s report and learned that Jiraiya had run off again, while the Third Hokage’s declining health and the consequences of Ronglin’s earlier actions remained on his mind.

• Two Anbu told Ronglin that the Third Hokage had summoned him to discuss urgent intelligence from the front line.
• Ronglin decided the summons was an opportunity to take charge of the Sunagakure battlefield instead of going to the Iwagakure front.
• Ronglin arrived at the Hokage’s office through the window, and the Third Hokage handed him Tsunade’s report.
• Ronglin read the report and asked whether Jiraiya had run off again.
• The Third Hokage confirmed that Jiraiya had left again and answered with a bitter smile.

Ronglin agreed to lead Konoha's forces against Sunagakure after the Third Hokage asked him to go to the front lines. He returned to the Uchiha grounds and called an urgent meeting, leaving the clan leaders waiting to learn what he planned.

• The Third Hokage asked Ronglin to lead Konoha's campaign against Sunagakure, and Ronglin agreed to leave as soon as possible.
• Ronglin laughed as he left the Hokage's Office Building, while the Third Hokage wondered what Konoha might become under Ronglin's leadership.
• Ronglin returned to the clan grounds and summoned the Uchiha higher-ups to a meeting at the Uchiha Shrine.
• Shisui asked Kisame Hoshigaki whether Ronglin had another major move planned, and Mei Terumi told Shisui to stop talking so much.

Shisui and Mei Terumi discussed Shisui’s friendship with Itachi and Ronglin’s confidence in the young Uchiha. The clan gathered for a late-night meeting, and Ronglin arrived as they waited to learn why he had summoned them.

• Mei Terumi asked Shisui about his relationship with Itachi, and Shisui said Ronglin liked the boy and believed he would become powerful.
• Mei Terumi teased Shisui about taking Itachi as a disciple, while Shisui insisted Ronglin’s prediction would come true.
• Ronglin’s guards entered the Clan Ancestral Hall, where the assembled clan members discussed the late-night meeting and Uchiha Fugaku sat apart from the others with Itachi beside him.
• Uchiha Fugaku brought Itachi to the meeting at Ronglin’s request, while the clan members wondered what attitude Fugaku held toward Ronglin.
• Ronglin arrived at the Clan Ancestral Hall, took his seat, and began to address the gathered clan.

Ronglin told the Uchiha clan that Jiraiya had abandoned the Sunagakure front to search for Orochimaru, prompting the Hokage to order Ronglin to take command. The battlefield remained stable, and Ronglin prepared to head to the front line.

• Ronglin told the clan that urgent intelligence had arrived from the Sunagakure front, though the battle remained stable.
• Ronglin explained that Jiraiya had left the battlefield to search for Orochimaru after learning of his defection.
• Tsunade sent the urgent report because she needed to hold down the rear, and the Hokage ordered Ronglin to oversee the war against Sunagakure.
• Uchiha clan members condemned Jiraiya for abandoning his duties and speculated that he might be involved in Orochimaru's defection.

Ronglin persuaded the Uchiha elders that his limited participation in Konoha’s war against Sunagakure could bring the clan the benefits of victory without committing its forces. He prepared to leave with a small group, warning the elders to keep the Uchiha stable while he was gone.

• Ronglin argued that Sunagakure was nearing defeat and that Konoha’s victory could benefit the Uchiha.
• Ronglin said he alone would join the war with a small number of people, while the Uchiha clan stayed behind to recover and prepare for a possible attack by Kumogakure.
• Ronglin assured the First Elder that he needed no large guard because he was strong enough to protect himself.
• Ronglin ordered the elders to stabilize the Uchiha during his absence, and they promised to make the clan stronger before his return.

Ronglin ended the clan meeting after securing the elders’ support and reminding Uchiha Fugaku to maintain order in the village. He then took Itachi under his wing, leaving Itachi’s future education in his hands.

• Uchiha Kuolie and the others pledged their support, and Ronglin reminded Uchiha Fugaku of his duties as Police Force minister.
• After the meeting ended, Ronglin called Itachi over and praised his calm, steady gaze.
• Ronglin announced that he would take Itachi with him and personally teach him.
• Uchiha Fugaku accepted Ronglin’s decision, and Itachi thanked Ronglin for taking him in.
• Shisui celebrated Ronglin’s choice and teased Mei Terumi, who responded by rolling her eyes.

Ronglin left Konoha for the Sunagakure battlefield with Itachi and his team, then slowed their journey to make the three-year-old walk and endure the strain. Itachi kept going without complaint, and the chapter ended when Ronglin stopped and addressed him.

• Ronglin finished warning Uchiha Fugaku, packed his things, and left Konoha with Itachi, Shisui, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Mei Terumi.
• Shisui, Kisame Hoshigaki, and Mei Terumi looked forward to fighting on the battlefield, but Ronglin slowed the team's pace to teach Itachi.
• Ronglin refused Shisui's offer to carry Itachi and told the exhausted child to keep walking.
• Itachi declined Shisui's help and continued despite his fatigue.
• Ronglin stopped and called Itachi's name, and Itachi answered him as his clan leader.

Ronglin noticed that Itachi was exhausted and had Shisui carry him rather than let him continue training. The group reached the camp’s Command Center, where Tsunade was overwhelmed by paperwork and logistics.

• Ronglin urged Itachi to admit he was tired, but Itachi remained silent and refused to say he needed rest.
• Ronglin told Shisui to carry Itachi, and Shisui happily put him on his back.
• Mei Terumi and Uchiha Diqin laughed at Ronglin’s helplessness, while Itachi wondered why Ronglin had wanted him to admit he was tired.
• The group arrived at the camp’s Command Center, where Tsunade greeted them amid a mountain of documents.

Ronglin took over the work at the front and learned that Sunagakure was pulling back its forces. Tsunade vented her frustration at him, then asked about the young Itachi he had brought with him.

• Ronglin asked about Sunagakure's movements, and Tsunade said the enemy had begun pulling back and would not hold out much longer.
• Tsunade scolded Ronglin for resting and involving others in his Uchiha clan affairs, including the donation of supplies.
• Tsunade noticed Itachi beside Ronglin and asked who the child was.
• Ronglin introduced Itachi as Uchiha Fugaku's son, said he hoped the boy would become the next Shisui, and told him to greet his Auntie Tsunade.
• Tsunade flew into a rage at being called Itachi's aunt, and Itachi addressed her as Lord Tsunade.

Ronglin discussed Itachi’s potential with Tsunade before explaining why Sunagakure was nearing defeat and that Konoha should end the costly war. He also acknowledged that Mei Terumi was the woman exchanged for the Three-Tails, leaving Tsunade curious about her future importance.

• Ronglin sent Itachi and the assistant out so he could speak privately with Tsunade.
• Tsunade questioned Ronglin about his confidence in Itachi, and Ronglin said he had come to collect benefits as well.
• Ronglin explained that Sunagakure had reached its limit and that Konoha’s investment in the battlefield made it time to end the war.
• Tsunade asked whether Mei Terumi was the woman Ronglin had obtained in exchange for the Three-Tails, and Ronglin confirmed it.
• Ronglin said Mei was young but would become important in the future.

Ronglin argued to Tsunade that trading the Three-Tails for Mei Terumi and Hoshigaki Kisame was a major gain because they could become Kage-level powerhouses. The conversation turned to his serious desire to combine Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki bloodlines, leaving Tsunade wondering what he knew.

• Tsunade questioned Ronglin about the value of exchanging the Three-Tails for two people.
• Ronglin claimed Mei Terumi and Hoshigaki Kisame would become powerful enough to make the trade worthwhile.
• Tsunade doubted Mei Terumi's potential and suggested Ronglin had brought her along to warm his bed.
• Ronglin teased Tsunade about having children with him, then explained he genuinely wanted descendants combining Uchiha and Senju bloodlines.
• Ronglin said the Uzumaki Clan could also be part of his plan, and Tsunade asked whether he knew something others did not.

Ronglin told Tsunade about the Uchiha Shrine’s stone tablet and suggested that Uchiha Madara might still be alive, though she rejected the idea as speculation. He then began explaining why Konoha had targeted the Uchiha, leaving Tsunade considering the clan’s treatment.

• Ronglin said the Uchiha Shrine held a stone tablet visible only through a special Dojutsu and linked its contents to the rift between Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara.
• Ronglin asked Tsunade why the Senju and Uchiha had been enemies for generations and said he had formed an explanation after seeing the tablet.
• Ronglin claimed Uchiha Madara might not be dead, but Tsunade insisted he had died at the Valley of the End and dismissed Ronglin’s claim as speculation.
• Ronglin asked Tsunade about the Rinnegan and the children Jiraiya had taught in the Land of Rain.
• Ronglin raised the village’s history of targeting the Uchiha, and Tsunade frowned as she considered how the clan had contributed to Konoha.

Ronglin explained to Tsunade how the Sharingan could evolve into the Rinnegan through the combined powers of the Senju and Uchiha clans, then suggested they test the idea together. He left Tsunade furious after kissing her without using the Power of Time.

• Ronglin told Tsunade that the Uchiha shrine tablet revealed the Rinnegan's origins and that Uchiha Madara had awakened it.
• Ronglin explained that awakening the Rinnegan required the powers of the Senju and Uchiha clans.
• Ronglin suggested that he and Tsunade try combining their bloodlines, leaving her speechless.
• Ronglin kissed Tsunade without using the Power of Time and teased her about her breath.
• Tsunade shouted at Ronglin to die.

Ronglin returned to Konoha’s front line as Sunagakure struggled to sustain the war and feared facing him again. Sunagakure’s leaders chose to defend and wait for good news from the Iwagakure front, but their prospects remained bleak.

• Tsunade questioned Ronglin’s claims about Uchiha Madara and the Senju-Uchiha union, then forced herself to stop thinking about them.
• Ronglin restored Konoha’s camp to normal, while the lull in fighting gave Konoha time to recover.
• Rasa and Granny Chiyo discussed Ronglin’s return and resolved to respond cautiously.
• Granny Chiyo blamed Ōnoki for failing to seize an opportunity against Konoha, while Sunagakure’s dwindling forces and supplies left it unable to attack.
• Sunagakure’s ninja remembered Ronglin’s past slaughter and feared that his return would hasten their defeat.

Uchiha Ronglin took command at Konoha’s front-line Command Center and assigned the Hyuga Clan to continue reconnaissance, while ordering the remaining forces to rest in camp. The chapter ended with his assistant questioning the order to pull back, and Ronglin insisting Sunagakure posed no immediate threat.

• Ronglin arrived at Konoha’s Command Center, where many welcomed him as Hyuga Hiashi worried he might use his authority against the Hyuga Clan.
• Ronglin called a high-level meeting and asked the assembled leaders to hear his arrangements.
• Ronglin ordered Hyuga Hiashi and the Hyuga Clan to continue monitoring and reconnaissance to prevent Sunagakure from attacking.
• Ronglin told everyone else to withdraw to camp and rest, except for necessary patrol teams.
• Ronglin’s assistant questioned the order, and Ronglin replied that Sunagakure could not make trouble at the moment.

Ronglin ordered Konoha's forces to rest while the Sunagakure front remained quiet, but kept the Hyuga Clan on scouting duty. Hyuga Hiashi questioned how long the rest would last and ended up accepting the burden for his clan.

• Ronglin noted that Sunagakure's withdrawal left Konoha with no reason to keep fighting and ordered the troops to rest.
• The assistant denied that Konoha was short on food, while the gathered shinobi realized the Hyuga Clan alone would remain on duty.
• Hyuga Hiashi asked Ronglin how long the rest period would last.
• Ronglin challenged Hiashi over whether he resented the other clans resting and said the Hyuga Clan had to scout because it was best suited to the task.
• Hiashi replied through clenched teeth that the Hyuga Clan would fulfill the scouting mission.